Does your lifestyle wear you out? Do you barely make it through the working day? Do you have to sleep in the afternoon to have enough energy to do anything at night? Chances are what you eat, how you relax, how stressed you are and your sleeping habits are responsible for your excessive tiredness. It is vital to eat well and keep healthy in order to cope with today's stresses and hectic schedules. Often simple changes to the type of food you eat, the timing of your meals and small changes to your lifestyle can make a difference.
Energy Drainers
Low quality food: You need to eat well to function at your optimum level. Supplements won't give you everything you need, you will find these in foods that contain anti-oxidants, flavonoids (polyphenols) and carotenoids such as vegetables and fruit. You need healthy meals to boost your levels of these compounds as well as essential vitamins and minerals. A varied intake of vegetables, fruit, grains, cereals, low-fat dairy products, fish and lean meat and nuts is a must, there is no way around this.
Dieting: Going on low-fat or low calorie diets slows your metabolic rate and saps your energy.
Skipping breakfast: Having no breakfast reduces your ability to concentrate and perform complex mental tasks in the morning. When blood sugars are low, your brain, which relies entirely on glucose as its fuel, cannot function at its peak. Breakfast also means you are less likely to fall prey to the mid-morning munchies of high-fat pastries or chips!
Being seriously overweight: Carrying an extra 20 or 30 kilos around every day is very tiring and strains lower joints. Make an appointment with an accredited dietitian to have a long-term eating plan personalized for you.
Hooked on chocolate: Chocolate, lollies and sweets may give you an immediate boost, but half an hour later, you will find your energy flags again. If you find you need a lift, try some of the suggestions below.
Lack of sleep: Not everyone needs a full eight hours, but if you're skimping on sleep or tossing and turning all night, you won't be at your peak the next day. Aim to sleep well. Soak in a warm bath with aromatherapy oils, avoid caffeine and cigarettes a couple of hours before bed, try not to do anything that keeps your brain active (such as watching television) and sip a glass of warm milk. Milk is high in tryptophan, an amino acid that has a sedating and calming effect.
Depression: People who have depression can have
trouble staying asleep or sleep too much. Either way they have little
energy to get through the day. It is important to see a doctor, as
there are treatments and medications available to deal with this
draining ailment.
Anemia: If you're chronically tired, have a
blood test to check your hemoglobin level. You may have iron-deficiency
anemia-fatigue. A greater susceptibility to infections and feeling the
cold are other symptoms of anemia.
Exercise: Exercise helps alleviate stress and mild depression, clears the mind, and improves sleep patterns and releases endorphins, putting you on a natural high. When you exercise, you feel good and life looks better.
Ways to beat afternoon fatigue
